There were so many things that I was looking forward to during my Southern Expedtion 2.0 trip down to the south.
But near the top of that list was once again spending some time with my friend Wayne Brown aka @brownkw on twitter.
And like myself Wayne is a BBQ Blog Writer that has a passion for the sport, the products and the people.
I had met Big Wayner last year when a bunch of us bloggers got together to do a joint review of the Lexington #1 BBQ Joint which was such a fun experience that I wanted to do it once more.
After my visit to the Cheerwine plant in Salisbury to get my fix I drove an hour down the road to Charlotte, North Carolina where I met Wayne along with another blogger that Steven Gibbs at a new BBQ Joint Queen City Q that Wayne discovered was only a 15 minute walk from his office. In fact the restaurant opened for the first time only.
I got there at around one in the afternoon, with Wayne and Steven waiting for my arrival. with some samples of Queen City Q’s Brisket ready for me to sample.
There were two variations one sauced and grilled and the other sauced afterwards, I enjoyed both but my preference was the one that was grilled. A great start to the visit.
From left to right, Wayne Brown, Steve Gibbs and myself
After catching up with Wayne for a bit and getting to know Steve it was time to order some lunch, Wayne went with the Pulled Pork while Steven and I each ordered a plate of 4 bones of Ribs with 2 sides.
Lunch is servedWayne's mealSteve's Rib PlateMy lunchClose up look at my ribs,, yum!Even closer view of a single rib2nd from left is Pitmaster Boone
I liked that the Pitmaster for Queen City Q stopped by our table to intruduce himself and answer any questions we had. It was obvious that Boone was very experienced and capable to produce excellent product but more than that he had a perfect personality to be a host that the customers can get to know and feel compfortable around.
Boone, had done this before using his skills to open other restaurants and his recipes are still being used and loved.
Where did Boone get his recipes? well they have been handed down from previous generations and they have been standing the test of time.
Included in those recipes are the sauces used by Queen City Q that include…..
Uncle Jeff’s South Carolina Mustard, an Eastern Vinegar and Popo’s Red Rib Sauce.
I was a little bit off of my game as I meant to ask more about the smoking process but the only information that I can tell you is that they use a 600 lb. Southern Pride Smoker.
But I can tell you that I thought the Ribs were wonderful, the correct amount of smoke and and the flavour from their seasoning was spot on!
For my sides I had some scrumptious Mac & Cheese along with Collard Greens which I had for the first time last year around this time at Southern Soul BBQ in Georgia.
At under $10.00 lunch was very affordable.
A view of the rest of the restaurant
All three of us were in aggreement that the food here at Queen City Q is worthy and should do very well in Charlotte. Till now they have had a soft opening of the restaurant seving the lunch crowd.
I thought that since I was having lunch with two fellow bloggers I would ask them both to say a few words about their experience.
First up is my good friend Wayne Brown….
Ever since meeting up with Fred last year at Lexington #1, I started looking forward to his next venture down from the Great White North. When I got word last week that he would be coming through the area, we immediately made plans to eat at a BBQ joint here in Charlotte. In classic style, plans changed the day of his arrival, and Steve Gibbs (@Q4Fun on Twitter) was able to join us as we all checked out the newest BBQ restaurant in Charlotte – Queen City Q.
The only downside to today’s rendezvous was that we were on a limited time schedule; otherwise I’m certain we could have stayed there for hours! We ate… we drank (water and tea)… we laughed and had a great time. The food was excellent all the way around. I highly recommend the pulled pork, mac & cheese, and BBQ slaw! And if Fred comes through your area, make it a point to have him stop in your area for some ‘que!
Wayne Brown
Here with his thoughts is Steven Gibbs
This week I had the pleasure to meet @OshawaOgre and hang out with him and @Brownkw for about an hour at a new BBQ joint in Charlotte. We had a good time talking about BBQ, eating BBQ and talking to the pitmaster of Queen City Q. I always love to see the waitstaffs reactions when I take pictures of my food but to see their faces when three of us were taking pictures was priceless.
We had a good tweetup and a fun time. Queen City Q has good BBQ and good BBQ is best when shared with friends.
Thanks again and check out my blog at http://q4fun.blogspot.com/
Steve Gibbs
My thanks to both Steve and Wayne for supplying me with your thoughts.
I hope that all of my readers will follow both of these fine fine men.
Atomosphere in the restaurant is great with it’s big screen TV’s and compfortable seating and decor.
The staff were very friendly and quick to serve.
On the way out we spoke with Bryan Meredith for a few moments, he is one of the owners and is the face of the restaurant on Twitter and Facebook.
I feel that Queen City Q is well on its way to becoming a very popular choice for this white colar area of Charlotte.
Here is Big Wayner’s blog post on our visit
Social media links…
Queen City Q on Twitter @theQclt
Big Wayner’s BBQ Blog on Facebook
Gibbs Design website
Bacon
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